Comments on: Stop the Insanity of Christmas Debt This Year

By: Joe Plemon

Joe Plemon — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:25:18 +0000

Kathy,
You get it! Scaling down and simplifying and using some common sense does not detract from our celebration of Christmas…it adds to it bigtime.

Like you, we buy lots of Christmas gifts throughout the year…many from yard sales. For us, it is like a treasure hunt and makes Christmas fun all year long.

We also spend more than we probably should for new gifts, but it is all budgeted and paid for with cash. And, like you, we have been scaling back a little every year.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!

By: Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:31:01 +0000

We haven’t exchanged gifts except among our immediate family (me, my husband, our kids) and our parents for years. Before that, we gave to nieces and nephews but not to fellow siblings. We gradually scaled down because it was INSANITY (and expensive) to exchange gifts amongst brothers, sisters, nieces/nephews, aunts/uncles, etc., and it was either that or draw names. Although some of mine and my husband’s siblings objected at first, I think we all are very happy with it — no pressure to find a good or “perfect” gift that won’t break the bank but will be appreciated; which means more time and money to spend with family and less pressure.

Starting in summer, I start really looking at yard sales for appropriate things which can be given as gifts to my children for Christmas. Most of the toys and books that are sold have little if any wear. Last year, I remember spending less than $50 for both my kids, and getting them each a bike ($5 apiece), a sit-n-spin, a train table ($5!!!!), plus loads of books and toys (mostly costly 50 cents apiece, some less and some more). This year will be similar.
Kathy´s last blog ..Oh, WOW!

By: Joe Plemon

Joe Plemon — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:23:52 +0000

Kristin,
Thanks for the link. Your post helps me consider ALL of the expenses of the season…not just the gifts. The “magic number” is a great concept, one we will try this year.

By: Deb

Deb — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:53:13 +0000

A couple of years my family decided to exchange gifts of things we already had but would no longer use or need: books we’d already read, CD’s and movies we no longer wanted, etc. It took a lot of thought to select the right gift for the right person but no money!
Deb´s last blog ..Is Homeschooling the Right Choice for Your Family?

By: Kristin Harad

Kristin Harad — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:18:01 +0000

Great post. I really like your ‘no debt’ pledge and agree that now that the stores are starting to wheel out the holiday displays, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your own holiday spending plan.

While I love homemade gifts, what I think is even more important is that we feel good about the money we do spend. Gift-giving is supposed to be a joyous occasion, but it’s tough to have fun if you are wracked with guilt! Pick a total holiday spending number now, before the frenzy starts, and then you can feel good about the purchase decisions you make within that framework. I offer more specifics on holiday spending strategies at http://www.newparentfinances.com/resources_holidays.html

Thanks!

Kristin Harad, CFP
Vita Vie Financial Planning

By: Joe Plemon

Joe Plemon — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:18:19 +0000

Thanks Josh

By: Josh

Josh — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:36:24 +0000

Great, Practical Advice!

By: Joe Plemon

Joe Plemon — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Korwin,
I love that your extended family agrees to give to a foodshelf this year. I tried initiating it a few years ago with ours, but tradition of buying gifts was too big to overcome at that time. We have, however, agreed to buy “yardsale bargains” instead of spending big bucks. It makes shopping more fun (for those who like yardsales) and much more affordable.

By: Korwin

Korwin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:06:35 +0000

I happy that my extended family will be giving to a foodshelf instead of exchanging gifts. My wife and I will probably get each other a little something but won’t spend too much. We are trying to position financially so she can stay at home when we have kids. Praise God for His help!